• Introduces mandatory CCTV cameras in buildings above five floors
The Lagos State government has charged the newly recruited town planners in the public service to embrace new technology that will enhance service delivery, uphold lawful conduct and remain upright in discharging their duties.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, gave the charge at the newly recruited officers’ induction ceremony held at the LASPPPA headquarters in Ikeja.
Olumide noted that the officers need to acquaint themselves with the government’s focus and mandate of the ministry, as well as apply themselves to the service of the state.
He urged the new officers to be resilient, punctual, time-conscious, and respectful, as these are qualities of highflyers in the system.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olumide Sotire, advised the planners to familiarise themselves with the ministry’s departments and agencies and be positioned to give their best to the state.
The General Manager, Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority, Daisi Oso, spoke on the need for the new officers to behave as representatives of the government.
Earlier, LASPPPA General Manager, Mr Kehinde Osinaike, urged them to embrace technology and shun all forms of compromise in the discharge of their responsibilities, as well as ensure prompt and accurate field reports.
MEANWHILE, the state government has said that it would henceforth demand the mandatory provision of CCTV cameras in buildings of six floors and above as a prerequisite for issuing planning permits.
Olumide disclosed that property owners will be mandated to install CCTV cameras, as a requirement for planning permits in all existing buildings of six floors and above along major roads in the state, as well as in proposed or under construction.
He stated that the initiative would also cover all commercial buildings, which would equally be mandated to provide CCTV cameras as a requirement for their approvals.
Olumide said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the initiative, which will enhance security and balance public safety with physical planning considerations within the state.
To ensure consistency and interoperability, he said the State’s Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) would establish standardised specifications for CCTV camera systems and direct regular maintenance and inspection schedules to ensure camera functionality.
The agency will also mandate property owners to make the footage available to the state security agents on request.
The commissioner enjoined all stakeholders to support the initiative, which is in tandem with the smart city ideals as it is geared towards achieving a livable, organised and sustainable Lagos.
